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MindShift Gear announced that in January 2014 it will release the world’s first rotating day hiker backpack, the rotation180° Panorama. Designed for hikers who carry cameras, binoculars, GPS devices, nature identification books, maps, iPads, and more, the rotation180° Panorama’s beltpack rotates to the front for quick gear access and without first having to take off the backpack or even stop hiking. Detailed information can be found at http://www.mindshiftgear.com/products/rotation180-panorama.

“We want to create a mind shift in the way that people think about hiking and their interaction with nature,” said MindShift Gear’s founder and president Doug Murdoch. “The rotation180° Panorama was designed for any lover of the out-of-doors who has ever been frustrated that they’ve had to take off their pack to access something. With this new rotating backpack, whatever they value they can rotate to the front of their body. Like the advent of hydration reservoirs, which allowed quick access to fluids, our rotating technology has the potential to increase their enjoyment and experience of being outdoors.”

Lightweight at under three pounds, the rotation180° Panorama backpack will be available in two colors, Charcoal and Tahoe Blue. It will feature two tripod carrying options and an extra-large dedicated 100 oz./3 ltr capacity hydration reservoir pocket. It will have additional room for a jacket, hat, gloves, lunch, and more. The removable beltpack can be worn separately for shorter outings. The breathable padded airflow harness with daisy chain includes an adjustable sternum strap and load lifters. And, at its design core, it has a pre-curved back panel with single aluminum stay for pack stability.

Available for sale separately will be accessories that enhance the backpack’s functionality. These include the Lens SwitchCase that attaches to the beltpack, the Tripod Suspension Kit, the Panorama Photo Insert for extra carrying capacity for photo gear, and the Panorama Raincover specifically tailored to function with the rotation 180 technology.

MindShift Gear (www.mindshiftgear.com) is a group of committed professional photographers and product designers who support conservation and protection of our natural resources. Founded by the creators of Think Tank Photo and conservation photographer Daniel Beltrá, MindShift is dedicated to building carrying solutions for those who are passionate about experiencing the natural world. Their slogan, “Engage with nature,” challenges people to not only become involved in outdoor activities, but to create a conversation about nature and our relationship to the environment.

MindShift Gear (the outdoor photography bag spin-off company of Think Tank Photo) announces the release of its multi-purpose Contact Sheet. Designed for photographers who work in wet or dirty environments and who need a clean, dry work area, this 3.5’ x 5’ ultralight, waterproof ground tarp provides a barrier from the elements. The 3.5’x5’ Contact Sheet stuffs into a mesh pouch for easy transportation and storage.

The Contact Sheet solves one of nature and outdoor photographers’ biggest headaches, which is how to create a safe work area when operating remotely in the out-of-doors. Made of a mixture of 30D Ripstop PU and Nylon mesh, it can easily be spread out and valuable electronics gear laid on it safe in the knowledge that it is protected from the elements.

MindShift Gear (www.mindshiftgear.com) is a group of professional photographers and designers committed to conservation of our natural resources and global environment. Founded by the creators of Think Tank Photo and conservation photographer Daniel Beltrá, MindShift is dedicated to building carrying solutions for those who are passionate about experiencing the natural world. Their slogan, “Engage with nature,” challenges people to not only become involved in outdoor activities, but to create a conversation about nature and our relationship to the environment.

Photography competition site PhoozL announces a special cash-prize photo contest: ‘Pets in B&W’. This is a judged contest where the Top 3 Winners share a progressive (growing) cash prize pool from the paid-entry proceeds. The judge is pro pet photographer and pet photo author Andrew Darlow, and the contest is open to all logged-in members of Phoozl.com, amateur to pro, 18+ worldwide. To see more details and to submit, go to:

“We’re excited to announce our first shared-cash-prize contest,” says Harald Johnson, PhoozL’s founder. “It costs only $10 for up to 3 entries, and 60 percent of entry proceeds will be paid out to winners! And who better to judge this contest than pro pet photographer and pet photo author Andrew Darlow.”

PhoozL® (http://www.phoozl.com) provides photo education and entertainment for photographers and photo enthusiasts who want to be challenged and have “phun” while learning more about photography and spreading their creative wings. Photo contests, photo assignments, photo critiques, photo learning, photo sharing and community… it’s all part of PhoozL.

Sony Australia has announced that a firmware update for Action Cam HDR-AS15 is now available.

The firmware update includes PS Recording Mode (1920×1080/60p), which enables users to capture smooth images of fast moving scenes with a higher frame rate of 60p. A new “Water Mode” is also available on the Action Cam, which adjusts the camera’s white balance to an optimal setting for underwater shooting. Furthermore, the new ‘Beep Off’ setting gives users the option to turn off audio notifications of key camera functions, such as when recording is enabled or disabled.

In addition, users of the Action Cam HDR-AS15 will get to enjoy ‘Seamless Mode Change’ functionality via PlayMemories Mobile from June 2013. The update will enable users to change from ‘Smart Remote’ mode to ‘File Transfer’ mode directly, without having to go through the Action Cam.

Users can now capture the action in even more ways with the availability of mounts and attachments for the Action Cam HDR-AS15. The new Skeleton Housing (SRP $39) and Float Attachment (SRP $19) will let you take the action anywhere, while the latest Wrist Mount (SRP $39), Surfboard Mount (SRP $39) and Dog Mount (SRP $49) allow you to shoot from a totally new perspective. All new accessories will be available from late May at www.sony.com.au.

Sydney, Australia, 30 April 2013 – Canon Australia today announced that the new firmware upgrade for the EOS 5D Mark III digital SLR camera is now available for download, delivering considerable improvements to still-shooting and Full HD video. The new free-of-charge upgrade will allow users to boost the EOS 5D Mark III’s potential, opening the door to new imaging opportunities.

The upgrade, which was first announced in October 2012, enables the use of the HDMI output functionality for more efficient video editing and monitoring workflows by professionals in the fields of cinema and TV production. With HDMI output, users can record HD uncompressed video data (YCbCr 4:2:2, 8 bit) to an external recorder via the camera’s HDMI terminal, supporting minimal image degradation during video data editing for greater onsite efficiency during motion picture and video productions. Additionally, video can also be displayed on an external monitor while being captured, for real-time on-site monitoring for HD video during shoots.

To further improve functionality, the upgrade improves the AF system with centre AF point now enabled at f/8 supporting the needs of photographers to achieve more from their camera when using fast super-telephoto lenses with extenders. Drastically increasing the shooting range, version 1.2.1 now makes it possible to use an EF600 f/4 lens and two-times extender to achieve a massive 1200mm focal length with precise AF performance. This will benefit sport and nature photographers who shoot over long distances. This upgrade also increases the range of lens options with full AF capabilities, including the EF400mm f/5.6 and the EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS with 1.4x extenders, for zoom ranges up to 560mm.

“The EOS 5D Mark III, continues to lead the way in DSLR Full HD Movie making and with this new update Canon has responded to the needs of professional image makers by providing them with clean HDMI output, as well as boosted AF performance for telephoto shooting over an expanded range of focal lengths,” said Charles Montesin, Product Manager – Professional Imaging, Canon Australia. “We’re excited to be offering these features in direct response to requests from professionals working in the fields of cinema and TV production, and expect the firmware to enhance the user experience and workflow.”

Canon is the world’s leading imaging brand that actively inspires with imaginative ideas that enable people to connect, communicate and achieve more than they thought possible through imaging solutions for business and consumers. Canon’s Australian R&D company, CiSRA, develops and exports digital imaging technologies for use in Canon products worldwide. Canon has ranked among the top-four US patent recipients* for the past 21 years, and had global revenues of over $US40 billion in 2012. Canon Australia also operates Canon Finance Australia, which offers one-stop shopping for customers wanting leasing or finance services. For more information, visit www.canon.com.au, www.facebook.com/canonaustralia, www.twitter.com/canonaustralia, www.youtube.com/canonaustralia

* Based on weekly patent counts issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office